Miriam Fields-Babineau - Doodle Dogs For Dummies

Toy-size Doodles are great in homes with very young children, elderly residents, or family members who aren’t highly mobile. Because they’re small, teaching them to do their business on a pad may be more convenient than if the dog were a larger size. This makes them ideal in urban areas, where going outside to potty isn’t always possible.

If you live in a suburban area, a Toy-size Doodle can still be easier to care for than a larger dog, especially if you’re very busy. A smaller Doodle may be easier to take with you to work. If you work from home, a Toy-size Doodle can warm your lap as you type or attend Zoom meetings.

Toy-size Doodles also make great therapy dogs. They can easily sit on laps, beds, or chairs and soothe the soul just by being there. And traveling with a small dog can be easier than it is with a larger one. Toy-size Doodles fit under the seat on airplanes or in over-the-shoulder carrying cases. For those in urban areas who use public transportation where dogs must be held, small dogs make this a breeze — they’re lightweight and fit into a backpack, happy to look over your shoulder and watch the world go by!

Miniature-size Doodles can weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds and are typically created by crossing a Miniature Poodle with a Toy purebred dog.

Because the Doodle pups are a mix of two purebreds, it’s tough to know exactly how big they’ll grow to be. A lot depends on the other parent. For example, if the Doodle pup is the offspring of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle, the puppy can mature to anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds, depending on which size genes are dominant. But if the Doodle is a mix between a Beagle and a Miniature Poodle, it may be closer to 30 pounds at full maturity. Size can vary greatly within the litter, too. Most breeders have a fairly good idea of the ultimate size of the Doodle pups they’ve bred, but there are always outliers and no breeder can guarantee the size of their puppies upon maturity.

Miniature-size Doodles aren’t small enough to be lap dogs, but they often want to be! They’re just so adorable that it’s tough to not hold them on your lap when they’re young puppies. Beware of setting a precedent, however — your Doodle pup is learning the rules the moment they enter your life.

From the day you bring home your puppy, set the rules that you’ll want them to adhere to when they’re fully mature. This way, you’ll reduce misunderstandings and build a more harmonious relationship with your new best friend.

Miniature-size Doodles require time outside to exercise, but they’re still easily manageable in an urban or suburban environment — you’ll just need to be willing to take them for walks five or six times per day. If you have a safely fenced yard for relief and exercise, all the better. Miniature dogs don’t tend to be as athletically inclined as the larger varieties, but they still need to run, and they thrive on having a job, whether it’s chasing off squirrels or meeting postal carriers and delivery people.

Standard-size Doodles typically weigh 50 to 100 pounds and are typically created by crossing a Standard Poodle with another large breed. This variety of Poodle is often very tall, with long legs and an athletic body. They’re highly energetic and intelligent and acutely aware of everything around them. Standard Poodles have been a hunter’s working companion for centuries because of their ability to work tirelessly all day and because they enjoy water (they were created to retrieve downed waterfowl from waterways). You can be most certain that your Standard-size Doodle will enjoy swimming — some are totally obsessed with it!

The classic Poodle coif of keeping the hair long on the chest, joints, and head aided in buoyancy and maintaining warmth when they were used as waterfowl retrievers. Their close-cut hind ends allowed them unrestricted movement while working.

Regardless of which purebred dog is paired with a Standard Poodle, it will be tall and quite possibly very solid. They can weigh up to 100 pounds, even if one of their parents is only 70 or 80 pounds (such as a Golden Retriever). If the parent dog is of a giant dog breed (like a Great Pyrenees or Saint Bernard), you can bet on your Standard-size Doodle maturing to be even larger.

Because of their high energy level and environmental awareness (which can translate to becoming reactive to certain stimuli), Standard-size Doodles are best-suited for suburban or rural areas. They need to run and require a securely fenced area to do so. Running a couple times a week isn’t enough — they require daily, high-quality exercise.

Standard-size Doodles also need consistent training, using a positive approach. They may be large, but their personalities tend to be very sensitive. Standard Poodles aren’t hard-headed canines — they’re easily taught and directed, which is part of what makes them such high-quality working dogs. You can depend on their offspring, even when mixed with another type of purebred dog, to also be sensitive.

Positive training techniques, along with consistency and clear communication, enhances and speeds up the training process. Dogs trained in this manner are highly motivated to perform. With the forward-thinking Doodle, you’ll have a willing partner and close companion.

Both purebred and mixed-breed dogs (like Doodles) can have a huge range of behavior traits, from super-assertive to overly submissive. Some easily accept and remain calm in any situation, while others become highly reactive at the slightest movement. And, although early training and socialization can prevent any dog from becoming an excessive barker or jumper, all Doodles tend to have some typical behavior traits across the board. They can be super-sensitive, very intuitive, and, in the case of the Standard-size Doodles, hyperactive. Understanding your Doodle’s personality will help you take the right approach in every interaction.

Most Poodles are very sensitive, so you can count on your Doodle also having a sensitive personality. This means that they don’t handle aggressive actions or loud, harsh voices very well. It can also make them shy around strangers and other dogs they’ve never met.

Standard Poodles also tend to be very reserved. Taking the time to allow your Doodle to make the first overtures will help prevent a fearful reaction, such as backing away or urinating. And, because Doodles are generally very friendly, you can count on their reaching out at some point. Just be patient.

A sensitive dog requires a special approach to training and overall rule setting. Clearly explain your desires through a positive, consistent approach. Your Doodle will probably be quick to learn a new concept, but you may need to break it down into smaller parts and gradually add criteria to attain the ultimate goal. Repetition and clarity are key features of this approach.

Teaching your Doodle should involve capturing and shaping, not correcting. (You can find more about training in Chapter 10.) Overcorrecting your Doodle will cause the dog to be shy and shut down — you may see your dog lying down in a corner, facing the wall. Yes, Doodles are that sensitive!